The story of Ronnie Wood's involvement in the creation of The Rolling Stones' iconic song 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll' is a fascinating one, filled with musical legends and a unique setting. Wood, a talented guitarist and a key member of the Faces, found himself at the center of a musical hub in his London home, The Wick, in the early 1970s. This period was a time of immense creativity and collaboration, where Wood's home became a gathering place for some of the biggest names in music.
Wood's house, The Wick, was a four-story Georgian mansion overlooking the River Thames in Richmond. He bought it in 1971 while still with the Faces and installed a home studio. This setup attracted a who's who of musicians, including Gregg Allman, Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, Andy Newmark, Ric Grech, and Willie Weeks. Wood's home was a hub of musical activity, with guests queuing down the stairs to visit.
In 1974, Wood was still with the Faces when he recorded his debut solo album, 'I've Got My Own Album To Do,' at The Wick. This album featured guest appearances from George Harrison, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, and Ian McLagan. It was a star-studded project, and Wood's home studio played a pivotal role in its creation.
During this time, Wood also became involved in the creation of 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It),' a song that would become a classic for The Rolling Stones. Wood and Mick Jagger worked on the song together, with Wood providing backup vocals and playing guitar. The basic track was recorded at The Wick with just Wood, Jagger, David Bowie, and Willie Weeks, and Kenney Jones joining later to add the final touches.
The song's creation was a collaborative effort, with Wood's home studio serving as a creative space. Wood's involvement in the song's creation was significant, as he brought his unique style and contributions to the project. The final version of the song, credited to Jagger and Richards, became the title track of The Rolling Stones' 12th studio album, released in 1974.
Wood's transition from the Faces to The Rolling Stones was seamless. His knowledge of the band and his musical connections made it easy for him to slide into the role of lead guitarist. He recorded and toured with the Stones in 1975 while still with the Faces and became an official member in 1976 after the Faces disbanded. Wood's journey with The Rolling Stones began at The Wick and continues to this day, a testament to his talent and the power of musical collaboration.
